Fishing Regulators Consider Request For Increase In Elver Quota

In this May 25, 2017 photo, baby eels, also known as elvers, are held in Brewer, Maine.

Robert F. Bukaty
/ Associated Press/file

PORTLAND, Maine - Fishermen from Maine are planning to use an interstate hearing to make the case they should be allowed to catch more baby eels.

Baby eels, called elvers, are worth more than $1,000 per pound at the docks in Maine because of the role they play in Asian aquaculture. Maine's the only state in the country with a significant fishery for elvers.

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission is set to start considering new rules for the fishery on Tuesday. The commission limits Maine fishermen to less than 10,000 pounds of elvers per year. Members of the industry say they are going to call for more quota because of years of stewardship to keep the elver population healthy.

The elver season begins next month. They are fished from rivers and streams.